Choosing a Fitness Rowing Machine - Some Tips

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By janetra

Power Girl! Barbara, my gym buddy all set for a work out on the rowing machine. Photo taken at the CLM Health & Fitness Center, Masterton by sirwiseowl
Power Girl! Barbara, my gym buddy all set for a work out on the rowing machine. Photo taken at the CLM Health & Fitness Center, Masterton by sirwiseowl

Rowing machine benefits include providing an outstanding all round exercise which is gentle on the joints but gives a strenuous, aerobic exercise that uses muscles in both the upper and lower body. They are costly however so it is a useful idea to do research on the different types before you get one to make sure the machine you finish up with is the best one for your needs. The least expensive rowing machine you will almost certainly find is roughly $500 and the priciest something like $2500 so you really want to be aware of which type to purchase and which features you need.

Some Considerations When Buying a Fitness Rowing Machine

Rowing machines do take up rather a lot of space so if you do not have the space to leave one assembled constantly you can purchase a rowing machine that can be folded up and put away. You will additionally require quite a large, well ventilated space to use your rowing machine in, if possible with room for a television as exercising can be quite uninteresting when done for lengthy periods.

A number of machines do make quite a lot of noise so if is a concern you may perhaps want to look for a magnetic rowing machine as these are much quieter. If you will be using the machine every day we would recommend a magnetic rowing machine that is designed for heavy use. For occasional use a hydraulic machine is definitely more appropriate as these also tend to be much smaller and more convenient to store.

A few of the cheaper machines don't have computers for things like time, distance rowed and your stroke rate. Even though not exactly necessary these are very good ways to watch your improvement and to prevent you being fed up during exercising. They occasionally come as optional extras but we would recommend buying them as they will make your exercising session much more successful and enjoyable.

Variable Resistance

Most of the air rowing machines you can buy have an adaptable resistance so confirm the choices as a few are somewhat limited. A machine with a extensive range is much more useful as you can simply alter the intensity of your exercising by changing the resistance.

Try Out The Rowing Machine Before You Buy it!

Machines differ a lot in their movement and in how comfortable they are to use. if possible try out some different models at the gym. If you are buying on line ensure that the seller has a return policy so that if you find the rowing machine is not right for you it can be changed for an alternative one.

Rowing Machine How To

Features of Different Types of Fitness Rowing Machines

Hydraulic Resistance Rowing Machines

These are generally the cheapest machines and also tend to be smaller which makes storing in a cupboard much easier. They work on cylinders full of oil for resistance. The action can be a little erratic and they do tend to leak after heavy, regular use. We wouldn't suggest a hydraulic rowing machine for heavy, every day use.

Air Resistance Rowing Machines

In these types of machines air is sent over a flywheel to create the resistance. Although you can come across air rowing machines from around $200 we advise paying a little more to get a superior quality machine at around $400. Resistance typically covers a wide range which effectively replicates the feeling of rowing in water and resistance increases as you row faster. Nevertheless they do have the drawback of being very noisy specially at high speeds.

Water Resistance Rowing Machines

In water rowing machines, a cylinder filled with water provides the resistance. They are among the more expensive machines with prices starting at about $1000. They give a very efficient motion which is very like the feel of rowing in water and you can even hear the water moving past you as you row! They do involve some upkeep however as you will have to to restore the water on a regular basis.

Magnetic Resistance Rowing Machines

A magnet that is adjustable provides the resistance in these types of machines. They are reasonably small machines which makes storage much easier than some of the others and they are particularly quiet. They do not need any upkeep and offer a very smooth movement.

Finally!

Purchasing a good fitness rowing machine is a reasonably substantial outlay so you must take care before you buy that you will be using it regularly. Preferably you are used to using a rowing machine at the gym so that you are familiar with this type of exercise. A rowing machine is an example of an exercise machine that is an excellent purchase as it will give you an especially good all-round aerobic exercise which works every one of your muscles at the same time.

Comments

StewardL profile image

StewardL 3 years ago

I've heard that rowing machines give an awesome, full body workout, but I have never tried to use one myself. Do you know how a rowing machine would compare to a treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary bike in terms of cost and calories burned?

best rowing machines 2 years ago

The rowing machine at the gym was my favorite piece of equipment. It's awesome for getting muscle definition! I'm slowly saving up to buy one for my home gym.

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